Las Vegas 3-Day Itinerary

This plan mixes the Strip with the desert so you don't spend three days under casino ceilings. Book your show, the Neon Museum tour before you arrive. Rent a car for day two and three, or use tours.

Day 1: The Strip on foot

8am: Photos at the Welcome sign while the car park is still empty.

9.30am: Walk north through Luxor and New York-New York to Park MGM, following our Strip route.

12.30pm: Lunch at Aria or the Cosmopolitan, then a pool afternoon.

6pm: The Bellagio Conservatory, then the fountains as the sun goes down.

Evening: Dinner, then your show.

Day 2: Red Rock and Downtown

7.30am: Drive to Red Rock Canyon, with your timed-entry slot if it's October to May. The scenic drive and a short hike at Calico Tanks.

12pm: Back to the hotel through the heat of the day.

3pm: The Mob Museum Downtown.

6pm: Dinner in the Arts District.

Dusk: The Neon Museum tour, then the light shows on Fremont Street. Our Downtown guide has more.

Day 3: Hoover Dam and the north Strip

8am: Drive to Hoover Dam. Walk across the top and onto the bridge.

11.30am: Lunch in Boulder City on the way back.

3pm: Caesars Palace and the Forum Shops, then the Venetian's canals.

Sunset: The High Roller at The LINQ.

Evening: The Sphere, from the outside or from a seat inside, then dinner in Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road.

With more time, add Valley of Fire, or give the Grand Canyon two days with a night at the South Rim, as our day trips guide suggests.